A seemingly lifeless bumblebee queen, recovered from being submerged for nearly a week, has revealed a remarkable survival strategy. Researchers have discovered that hibernating queens can actually breathe underwater, a finding that challenges previous understanding of insect physiology and has implications for their resilience in a changing climate.
The discovery began with an accidental observation. Whereas studying eastern bumblebee queens (Bombus impatiens), biologists noticed that queens survived for up to a week after their vials were inadvertently flooded in a lab setting. This unexpected resilience prompted a deeper investigation into how these insects withstand prolonged submersion, particularly given their overwintering habit of nesting underground where flooding is a possibility.
Ecological physiologist Charles Darveau at the University of Ottawa, Canada, initially puzzled over the phenomenon. “I did a simple calculation: How much oxygen would they need on board to be able to last that long?” Darveau explained. “One bumblebee queen, roughly one milliliter in volume, would need 20 milliliters of oxygen. So, it was impossible.” The answer, it turned out, wasn’t about holding their breath, but about breathing under water.
How Bumblebee Queens Survive Submersion
Published March 10 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, the research details how submerged bumblebee queens utilize a combination of physiological adaptations. Their metabolisms, already significantly slowed during hibernation to conserve energy, shift to anaerobic strategies – processes that don’t rely on oxygen. Researchers, including Sabrina Rondeau and Skyelar Rojas alongside Darveau, submerged hibernating queens in vials of cold water for up to eight days to study this process.
The team meticulously measured oxygen levels in the water, carbon dioxide released by the queens, and the buildup of lactic acid, a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. They found that oxygen levels in the water demonstrably decreased over time, while the queens continuously released carbon dioxide, indicating ongoing respiration. Lactic acid levels spiked during submersion, confirming the activation of alternative energy production pathways.
While the exact mechanism remains unclear, researchers speculate that bumblebee queens may trap a thin layer of air around their bodies, similar to what is observed in many aquatic insects. This air pocket could provide a temporary oxygen supply, supplementing their ability to function anaerobically.
Recovery and Climate Change Implications
The study also revealed that submerged queens require a recovery period after resurfacing. For several days, they breathe at a higher rate than non-submerged queens, working to clear the accumulated lactic acid from their systems. This suggests that repeated or prolonged submersion could potentially deplete their energy reserves.
With increasing rainfall and more frequent flooding events linked to climate change, understanding the limits of bumblebee queens’ resilience is becoming increasingly important. Darveau notes, “We’re starting to reckon of how many bouts of these floodings they can withstand.” Bumblebee queens require substantial energy reserves to survive months of hibernation and successfully establish new colonies. Repeated submersions could push them past a “point of no return,” impacting their reproductive success and potentially contributing to population declines.
Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of repeated submersion on bumblebee queen survival and reproductive capacity. Understanding these impacts will be crucial for developing effective conservation strategies in a rapidly changing environment.
This remarkable adaptation highlights the incredible resilience of these vital pollinators and underscores the importance of protecting their habitats in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or scientific advice.
What are your thoughts on this fascinating discovery? Share your comments below, and please share this article with others who might find it interesting!
